Sept. 11, 2010
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Broncs volleyball team fell in four sets (19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-23) to the UTEP Miners at the UTSA Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
UTPA took an early 6-0 lead in the first set of the match. The first kill was tallied by Rita Gonzalez, with points contributed by Jimena Gandara and Marci Logan. The Broncs largest lead of the set was at 16-6. Slowly, the Miners fought back and came within five 19-14, but a series of UTEP errors allowed the Broncs to claim the first set 25-19.
The Miners came back fighting in the second set, but UTPA remained close and tied the Miners at 15-15. UTEP almost gave away the set following three attack errors and two kills by Marci Logan that brought the Broncs within one 24-23; however, Miner Kyla Muela notched the game point 25-23 for the UTEP win.
Senior Meghan Fichtel tallied the first point of set three, which was answered by UTEP's Melissa Toth. Gandara came back with a kill, followed by a service ace from Gonzalez, which tied the set 3-3. A UTEP error and a point from Kaitlin Vasquez gave the Broncs a 5-3 lead. However, a point from Toth stole the lead 6-5 and gave the Miners the momentum they needed to break away from the Broncs. Four straight UTEP errors at 24-16 helped the Broncs get within five 24-20, but the Miners were able to grab the game point 25-20.
Set four started well for the Broncs, who took control of the game and led the Miners throughout most of the set. UTEP was able to catch up and tie the game 18-18, but a Miner error and a point from Vasquez put UTPA back on top 20-18. Once again, UTEP fought back and tied 23-23. Two Bronc errors allowed the Miners to steal the match point 25-23.
Logan led the Broncs with 13 kills, while Gonzalez tallied 11 kills, 13 assists and 16 digs.
Monday, the Broncs will be back at home when they play host to Texas State at 6 p.m. (CT) at the UTPA Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex.
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